Verona-born Tebaldo Monzani (1762-1839) a professional flautist, composer and innovative instrument maker, came to London in about 1785. His firm Monzani & Co. produced a great many fine flutes from 1808 to 1829, when Monzani retired and his collaborator Henry Hill continued the business as Hill, late Monzani & Co. This example included silver mounts hallmarked for 1827, so it was one of his last instruments, something supported by the high serial number 2750 (Monzani is credited with putting serial numbers on his instruments before anyone else). It sold at £2200 (estimate £2000-2500).
More of a surprise at £720 was an HMV Intermediate Monarch table-top gramophone complete with wooden horn which sold at £720 (estimate £60-80).
Monzani flute plays £2200
HIGHLIGHT of the Collectors’ Sale conducted by Keys (10% buyer’s premium) in Aylsham was this silver-mounted ivory flute by Monzani.